Adelaide-Melbourne Service Marks Latest Expansion of Airline’s Pet Travel Program
Virgin Australia will launch its first Pets in Cabin service from Adelaide on June 23, 2026, extending a program that the airline says has already carried nearly 1,500 animals since its introduction last year.
The inaugural Adelaide service, flight VA218, is scheduled to depart Adelaide Airport for Melbourne at 11:50 a.m., with bookings now available across eight domestic routes. The airline confirmed that passengers travelling on the first Adelaide-Melbourne flight will receive a special departure event alongside their pets at the gate.
The expansion strengthens Virgin Australia’s position in Australia’s growing pet travel market as airlines seek to diversify customer offerings and capture demand from travelers wanting to transport companion animals in the cabin rather than cargo holds.
Virgin Australia first announced plans to add Adelaide to the network in February 2026. Customers wishing to book the service from Adelaide must contact the airline’s Guest Contact Centre directly and agree to the carrier’s Pets in Cabin terms and conditions before travel.
Airline Extends Bookings Into 2027
The carrier said travel dates for most Pets in Cabin routes have now been extended through Sept. 30, 2026, while Adelaide-Melbourne services in both directions are available for booking through Jan. 31, 2027.
Virgin Australia said the extended booking window is intended to accommodate increased demand during the Christmas and summer holiday travel period. The airline added that all current routes continue to operate on a trial basis while discussions continue with airport operators regarding additional destinations.
Subject to final airport approvals, the airline plans to transition the Pets in Cabin service into a permanent feature on eligible domestic routes from next year.
Customer Demand Driving Expansion
Virgin Australia executives described the initiative as part of a broader strategy focused on customer-led travel experiences and greater flexibility for passengers.
Virgin Australia Chief Marketing and Customer Operations Officer Libby Minogue said the airline has seen strong demand since the service launched in October 2025.
“We’ve seen an overwhelmingly positive response to the Pets in Cabin service, with almost 1,500 pets travelling on Virgin Australia flights since the program launched in October,” said Ms. Minogue.
“Pets are part of the family, and we know how important it is for many Australians to be able to travel with them interstate.”
“We’re laser focused on improving the travel experience and giving customers more choice, value, and flexibility in how they travel, and our Pets in Cabin services are a testament to that,” she said.
Adelaide Airport also welcomed the addition of the service to its operations.
“We’re looking forward to being a part of what has already proven to be a very popular initiative with Virgin Australia’s customers. Pets are part of the family, so it’s great that travellers will now be able to travel with their four-legged friends,” said Adelaide Airport Executive General Manager, People, Culture and Customer Dermot O’Neill.
Pricing Structure and Loyalty Program Integration
Virgin Australia has introduced the service at an introductory rate of A$149 per pet, per flight sector. The airline noted that pricing may change over time and that customers will pay the rate displayed at the time of booking.
Velocity Frequent Flyer members can also redeem 18,600 Velocity Points for eligible Pets in Cabin sectors in addition to the passenger fare.
Approved assistance animals will continue to travel free of charge in the cabin on eligible domestic services.
Strict Rules Govern Pet Travel
The service is limited to small cats and dogs, with a maximum of four pets permitted on each eligible flight. Animals, including their carriers, must weigh less than 8 kilograms combined.
Virgin Australia requires pets to travel in approved soft-sided, leak-proof carriers measuring no more than 44 centimeters long, 26 centimeters wide, and 28 centimeters high. The carrier must remain beneath the seat in front of the passenger throughout the flight, and animals are not permitted outside the carrier while inside the airport or onboard the aircraft.
Passengers travelling with pets are restricted to designated window seats in rows 18 and 20, specifically seats 18A, 18F, 20A, and 20F.
The airline also requires pets to have up-to-date vaccinations before departure. Animals with existing medical conditions, as well as brachycephalic breeds, must have veterinary certification before travel.
Health Measures and Lounge Restrictions
Virgin Australia said its aircraft are equipped with air filtration systems capable of removing 99% of airborne particles, including pet dander. Passengers with allergies may request alternative seating within the same cabin class at no additional charge.
The airline also confirmed that pets will not be permitted in food and beverage areas, including Virgin Australia lounges, in accordance with Australian food safety regulations.
Since its launch in October 2025, the Pets in Cabin initiative has reshaped Australia’s domestic aviation sector by expanding travel options for pet owners and creating new opportunities within the tourism and pet travel industries.
